COLUMBUS, Ohio - Sophomore Allie Ahern scored an early goal to help lead the No. 20 Michigan State field hockey team to a win over No. 16 Ohio State, 1-0. Goalkeeper Molly Cassidy notched her tenth career shutout, tallying three saves in the match.

Michigan State is now 2-1 in the Big Ten and 7-6 overall while Ohio State fell to 1-2 and 8-5.

"This week we had to get back on track with our process," said head coach Helen Knull. "Our outcome goals are still within reach. This past week, the coaching staff emphasized the importance of practicing how you want to play and executing the game plan. Today we did just that."

Three minutes into the game, Ahern netted the ball into the right side of the cage past the Ohio State goaltender from three yards out. Mallory Tyler had the assist with a pass across the circle to Ahern.

Despite the 10 corners and 14 shots OSU accumulated, it was unable to get a goal past the Spartan defense. The pressure was added in the second half, as the Buckeyes recorded 12 of their 14 shots and seven of their 10 corners.

Sophomore Michelle Graham recorded her first career defensive save in the match.

Michigan State tallied four shots and two corners in its third shutout of the season. Previous shutouts came against Miami (Ohio) on Sept. 2, 1-0, and Indiana on Sept. 28, 3-0.

"I am proud of how hard the entire team fought for 70 minutes to get this crucial Big Ten win," said Knull.

Michigan State continues its tour in Ohio as it travels to Ohio University for a match on Oct. 7 at 1 p.m.